Parents praise police officer who brought taxi driver to "OUTSTANDING" Peterborough transport officer Pc Simon Corden, whose determination and investigative skills helped bring a reckless taxi driver to justice has won high praise from police chiefs.
Pc Corden, based at the British Transport Police headquarters in Lincoln Court, Peterborough, received a Certificate of Commendation in London on Friday.
His diligence led to the conviction of Joama Permos, who jumped warning lights at Helpston level crossing with five young children in his cab.
During Pc Corden's investigation of the incident on February 13, he sensitively interviewed the children, all aged 10 or under, who were extremely shaken and worked with the council to identify the driver.
Permos was arrested and within four weeks, he was charged with dangerous driving and sentenced to six months in jail.
The parents of the children and Cambridgeshire County Council passed on their thanks to Pc Corden.
He said: "There were kids in the car and their parents believed they were in a safe environment, which made it more personal for me.
"I wanted to do a really good job.
"As a dad myself, I was outraged by it."
He said: "Getting a thank you from the parents was enough for me. But it's nice to get recognition."
British Transport Police chief superintendent Mark Newton said: "The dedication that Simon displayed during this enquiry was truly outstanding.
"He was faced with the difficult task of uncovering the facts behind what could so easily have been a tragic accident involving children."
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